AN INTERNATIONAL medical researcher and the Burnet Institute’s laboratory head of immunology and vaccine has been appointed patron for the Women’s Health Network in the West (WHNW).
This comes as no surprise, as Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos has long been a keen supporter of the group, and was actively involved on its board before her appointment.
“It’s a big honour,” said Prof Apostolopoulos.
“I have been actively involved on the board, attending monthly meetings and discussing upcoming events and seminars. But to be named patron is quite exciting,” she says.
WHNW is a partnership between Victoria University and the active communities of Melbourne’s West including ISIS Primary Care, Western Regional Health Centre, Women’s Health West and local government.
The network provides women with information to promote good health and quality of life to help them in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Having grown up in Melbourne’s West, Prof Apostolopoulos is a keen supporter of WHNW’s work in reaching out to the diverse range of cultural groups within the region.
“I was raised in St Albans, and health in the western suburbs is an area of concern,” Prof Apostolopoulos said.
“It’s great that this network was set up. Women are not as aware about their health compared to women in other suburbs.
“Many of them don’t know where to go or what to do,” she says.
This month, WHNW is raising awareness through a free seminar entitled Women’s Wellness in the West.
Topics to be discussed will include health challenges in the West, the impact of weight and obesity on women’s health, exercise for a healthy heart, and menopause.
This is the second time WHNW is running a seminar: the first, held last October, was most successful.
“Lots of people turned up for the first seminar series last year and I’m hoping it will get bigger every time,” said Prof Apostolopoulos, who will be giving the opening address.
“These are very good talks that are on, and are relevant for all age groups,” she says.
The Women’s Wellness in the West seminar will be held at Victoria University’s Sunshine Campus on Thursday 17 May 2007, 6-8pm.
Admission is free. Book by 10 May with Cheryl Shilton, at Victoria University, phone 9919 2217 or email cheryl.shilton@vu.edu.au.
